It’s a holly, jolly Christmas at Carnival City with shows and family fun
Here's all the festive events taking place at the casino this December.
The greatest Carnival is coming to Carnival City this December, with events and activities suitable for families and friends of all ages. To kick things off, the festive lights and decorations are up, setting the perfect mood for the season.
• A Swingin’ Christmas
From the producers of Swingle Bells and Swingin’ Las Vegas, audiences are in for a festive treat with the upcoming A Swingin’ Christmas taking place in the Big Top Arena on December 14.
The concert will feature the 18-piece Johannesburg Big Band, conducted by Adam Howard, alongside special guests Kurt Darren, Zwai Bala, Monique Steyn, Harry Sideropoulos and the inspiring Mzansi Youth Choir. Together, they will create a magical atmosphere this festive season.
A Swingin’ Christmas will have a distinctly South African flavour, while also blending swinging jazz, classic big band sounds, and festive cheer together.
Audiences can look forward to many beloved festive hits, including Little Drummer Boy, Santa Baby, Christmas in SA, Baby It’s Cold Outside, Winter Wonderland, Somer Kersfees and more.
There will be two performances on the day, at 12:00 and 16:00. No children under three years of age are permitted.
• Night Market
Be sure not to miss the last Night Market at Carnival City for the year. Held the second Friday of the month, the next one will be on December 13 at the Festival Lawn Area from 17:00 to 22:00.
The best of fun, gather the troops and spend an evening out under the glorious summer night with family friendly entertainment, live performances and activities for all ages.
Wonder through the local arts and crafts stalls for beautiful, handmade items, which come at the perfect Christmas shopping time.
A diverse range of delicious street food will ensure taste buds and tummies are satisfied. For more information and vendor enquiries, visit www.thenightmarket.co.za
• Santa is coming to Carnival City
Bring loved ones to meet Father Christmas and Mother Christmas at Carnival City between December 13 and 25.
Children can check if they are on the nice list and share their Christmas wishes, while parents capture special keepsake photos of these precious moments.
And what’s more, Carnival City will shine brighter than ever with festive decorations and lights. Pop over to the foyer near Callisto’s and enjoy the excitement on your small ones’ faces. Visit https://suninternational.com/carnival-city/events/santa-is-coming-to-carnival-city/ for dates and times.
• Outdoor Fun Fair
For parents looking to get the children out the house for a few hours and to burn off some pent-up energy, Carnival City’s Outdoor Fun Fair will now open every day between 12:00 and 19:00 during the December school holidays.
When it is time to head indoors from the outside heat, The Magic Company has a wide range of thrilling games and entertainment sure to tickle the young and the teenage groups. There is also ten-pin bowling, go-karting and lazer tag.
• Christmas lunch
For those who prefer not to spend hours in the kitchen, the Carnival City Hotel has a Christmas lunch buffet that will satisfy the whole family – and the best part is no dishes to wash up afterwards.
Guests are greeted with a welcome drink upon arrival and start with customised salads, traditional charcuterie boards, and various dips, accompanied by assorted bread rolls, breadsticks, and flavoured butter fresh from the bakery.
The main course features traditional Christmas dishes like maple glazed gammon with creamy mustard sauce, roast turkey with cranberry sauce, roast beef sirloin with chimichurri, and lamb neck ossobuco, accompanied by sides including roast potatoes, savoury rice, sautéed green beans, and cinnamon and honey roasted butternut with feta and cranberries.
But be sure to save space for dessert, with options like malva pudding and custard, ice cream and waffles for children, trifle, vanilla-baked cake, and more.
The buffet is open from 12:00 to 15:00 on Christmas Day. Bookings are essential. Call 011 898 7112/011 898 7091 or email zama.ngundze@suninternational.com or nontembiso.mnyamana@suninternational.com
